Liberal Democrats have welcomed plans to improve the borough’s libraries but have expressed concern at the failure of the Council to meet national targets and have warned that the situation will not improve without greater investment. The comments come following the presentation of the Libraries Service Position Statement 2003 to the 21 October Executive Meeting.

The presentation outlined Haringey’s progress in its desire to have the ‘best library service in London’, outlining key objectives and a ‘framework for the future’ which highlighted plans for improvements such as ensuring greater electronic access and that staff are well trained and feel valued.

However the statement also highlighted the failure of Haringey’s libraries to meet 14 of the 28 nationally set Public Library Standards (PLS). These included targets for children/adults reporting success in obtaining a specific book as well as a number of failures on staff numbers, qualifications and knowledge.

Lib Dem Education Spokesperson, Barbara Fabian is pleased that the Council is now accepting the importance of improving the libraries, but warns that the Council needs to invest more money to bring up the libraries to an acceptable standard.

Cllr Barbara Fabian (Fortis Green) comments:

“These plans are very welcome and long overdue. I am pleased that libraries, which have been neglected for so long in Haringey, are being targeted for improvements. However, the Council needs to invest considerably more in local libraries to fill the gaps left by years of under-funding and bring them up to national standards quickly. It is important that the Council realises that libraries are an essential part of the education system and the borough will reap the benefits of what is invested in our libraries.”